Greg Leon: Congrats on your victory over Antonio Rodriguez (11-19-1). Can you give us some thoughts on your performance? ?

Marcus Bates: "It was ok. I feel like I have to go back to the gym and work on some things. I didn't really like the performance I put on, but I'm glad I got the win."

GL: Your promoter Marshall Kauffman told me you were dominant. What do you want to work on?What were you unhappy with?

MB: "I didn't let my hands go enough. I was picking my shots too much and I kept it at his pace the whole fight when I should have picked it up at the beginning of the fight. But I'm going to get back to the gym, work on that, and next time I will be better."

GL: Did anything about Rodriguez surprise you?

MB: "Nothing at all. Everything he came with I saw coming, so nothing surprised me at all."

GL: Even though you're disappointed with the performance, you've goto be glad you scored the KO.

MB: "Yeah, definitely. It was a body shot. He kept on running away from me at the beginning of the round, and I caught him coming in with a good right hand."

GL: Your taking care of business against what they put in front of you, but do you feel like you need to step it up now?

MB: "I feel it's time for me to take that step, but I've got to sit down with my team and see what they say. It's not just up to me, it's up to me and my team."

GL: Was that your final six rounder?

MB: "I think so, but I've got to talk with Marshall and find out."

GL: Do you have any idea when your next fight might take place?

MB: "Not yet, but I'll work all that out when we sit down as a team. I definitely want to get some TV time next year, I need to get more exposure."

GL: Closing thoughts?

MB: "I want to thank my fans and everyone for their support, 2018 is going to be a big year for me so stay tuned."